RE: Is r1250rs too big/heavy for a senior? - 2

Will you be cramped on bike? That depends on your build, condition, and the geometry of the bike. But, I will say, sitting on a BMW G310 feels quite similar to a R1200/1250RS. And, just like the Triumph 660, there are other options.

The point is, like the 250cc bikes used in the Basic Rider Courses, start with something you feel comfortable picking up. No one wants to drop a bike, but dropping something that you can pick-up (and affordably repair) will avoid some of the new (returning) rider anxiety. And, minimizing the anxiety level improves the learning experience.

The R and RS are lower center-of-gravity models. Very helpful for older people who feel uncomfortable with bikes that have a higher center-of-gravity. Part of why I chose the RS to replace my XX.

Zitat von Mr. 36654 im Beitrag #16

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No one wants to drop a bike, but dropping something that you can pick-up (and affordably repair) will avoid some of the new (returning) rider anxiety. .

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Zitat von Gast im Beitrag #1

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New to this site. Owned an FJ 1200 for 15 years. Loved it. Stop riding to raise 2d set of kids. Now getting ready to retire and move to Va. Beach VA area. Want to get back on a bike. Problem - I'm now 73 so perhaps I'm just too old to continue riding but ...... I'm 6'3", 220 pounds. The old style sport tourers (like an FJR 1300) are just too heavy for me now. Adventure bikes too tall and top heavy. So after months of reading and researching I'm leaning to a new r1250rs. I'd probably modify with bar riser and peg lowering kit but I do like a slightly leaned forward seating position. Doesn't' seem too heavy (but I want a bike that feels solid and planted on the rode) and I like the low center of gravity aspect (i.e., not top heavy). But I'm wondering - am I being delusional - would such a bike just be to heavy for a man my age? Yes I know I'd first need to sit on one and try to arrange a test ride (which I assume varies greatly dealer to dealer). But I'd love to get some feedback from experienced riders - especially those with some age on them. I ride for pleasure - get out in the country and just enjoy the scenery and the experience. Shortish day trips - 50-200 miles and the like. No iron but trips for me. Any thoughts most appreciated.

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I think the most important question is what is the physical condition of the person. A friend gave up riding at age 80 just because he reached that number. I have another friend that rides an RT and is 82. Another friend is a Gold Wing guy and is 82 also, and just bought a Tracer 9 and is in love with the lighter bike and contemplating selling the GW. Another with an RS is in his late 70's. I seem to ride with a bunch of old farts. I am 72 and in pretty good physical condition. I find it is harder to get on the center stand than it used to be but that is my only gripe. YMMV

Frank

Zitat von wessie im Beitrag #17

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does the US have the concept of "born again rider"?
in the UK we have seen quite a few riders who gave up bikes whilst focussing on family matters and then returned.

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Zitat von wessie im Beitrag #17

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does the US have the concept of "born again rider"?

in the UK we have seen quite a few riders who gave up bikes whilst focussing on family matters and then returned. The sensible ones did some training and a cottage industry has established to support this. Some are solo enterprises from former police trainers offering higher level training, others are commercial enterprises catering for newbies wanting to ride a scooter to college. Some of them have bikes you can hire, from 50cc scooters to boxer engined BMWs.

Do you have any of the latter category? Training schools where you can hire a bike to test the water. Maybe try a couple of different types of bike to test the ergonomics.

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Zitat von Lee im Beitrag #19

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Zitat von Mr. 36654 im Beitrag #16

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No one wants to drop a bike, but dropping something that you can pick-up (and affordably repair) will avoid some of the new (returning) rider anxiety. .

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The boxer has the advantage of not laying flat most of the time when dropped when stopped or going slow. The jugs hold the bike up at a angle making it easier to lift.
With some type of head guard a parking lot drop may not do much damage.
Some bikes with large fairing panels can get very expensive to repairing after a parking lot drop.

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Unless you are deteriorated by age (like me, hahaha) then coming off a semi-porky, more top-heavy FJ1200, will feel like riding a ballerina. Or something.

But seriously the low center of gravity and lower seat (you might want to get a higher seat at your height) will be a breeze.


As far as age itself is concerned, like someone said, "It about your physical condition." I would add to that: Riding Skills. It never hurts to do some training, and practice slow speed stuff regularly. We are never to old to learn. I did my 3rd Calif Superbike Training just a couple of years back, before the Pandemic, at 67, I wasn't the oldest geezer out there, either. Nothing can give you confidence like training,m experience and plain old repitition of basic riding technique.
My doctor put me on a blood thinner a few months ago, so I am also upgrading the armor in my Roadcrafter suit. I hate making a spectacle of myself. Some rider training options in Central PA https://tinyurl.com/y599zwr2

Weight. Is an issue for me too, and while I love my RS, I also have a KTM SD GT, which if it didn’t vibrate so much, would be a great sport tourer. And it’s much lighter.

I think you'd be fine with an RS, but going with a smaller bike (buy used) for a year or so couldn't hurt. Also, the MSF has returning rider courses. Taking one is a good idea and go get yourself a new helmet, jacket, etc.

Zitat von Gast im Beitrag #1

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New to this site. Owned an FJ 1200 for 15 years. Loved it. Stop riding to raise 2d set of kids. Now getting ready to retire and move to Va. Beach VA area. Want to get back on a bike. Problem - I'm now 73 so perhaps I'm just too old to continue riding but ...... I'm 6'3", 220 pounds. The old style sport tourers (like an FJR 1300) are just too heavy for me now. Adventure bikes too tall and top heavy. So after months of reading and researching I'm leaning to a new r1250rs. I'd probably modify with bar riser and peg lowering kit but I do like a slightly leaned forward seating position. Doesn't' seem too heavy (but I want a bike that feels solid and planted on the rode) and I like the low center of gravity aspect (i.e., not top heavy). But I'm wondering - am I being delusional - would such a bike just be to heavy for a man my age? Yes I know I'd first need to sit on one and try to arrange a test ride (which I assume varies greatly dealer to dealer). But I'd love to get some feedback from experienced riders - especially those with some age on them. I ride for pleasure - get out in the country and just enjoy the scenery and the experience. Shortish day trips - 50-200 miles and the like. No iron but trips for me. Any thoughts most appreciated.

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Thanks a million for all the feedback guys. You have inspired me to get back on a bike. But more importantly, your words of caution are well noted. You took me back 40 years to when I first started riding. Attended a one-week riding school where the school provided the bikes (Rebel 250s if memory serves me correctly). Got my license and bought a used Kawai 750. Rode it for a year and graduated to my beloved '86 FJ 1200.
So based on your advice I'm gonna replicate that experience. Gonna buy a used 500-650cc bike and take it to a riding school. Then ride it till I'm convinced I've thoroughly re-installed the necessary mind/body reflexes/memory. How long will that take? Dunno. But I'll know. At which point I'll head for a BMW dealer and ride off with confidence on a new 1250RS.
So thanks again - both for the inspiration and the advice that will keep me form doing something stupid.

Great, sounds like a sensible approach …….and I really hope it results in you joining the RS owners club !